This is a bad time for Iman Shumpert to be dealing with right knee soreness. The Houston Rockets’ next two games are against the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, two tough opponents. Even worse, the games are both on the road.

Houston acquired Shumpert at the trade deadline, and he has appeared in three games for them so far. Despite poor numbers in those three games, he should bring a lot to the team. He’s a veteran guard who has playoff experience and is having a resurgence this season.

Having Shumpert miss games against a desperate LeBron James-led Lakers squad and the menacing Warriors is not what the Rockets need at the moment, especially considering their place in the Western Conference standings. The Rockets are in fifth place, one game back from fourth and only three games ahead of ninth.

Losing Shumpert is not on the same scale as losing someone like James Harden for a few games, but the impact will still be felt. Hopefully, the injury is nothing too serious and Shumpert is back sooner rather than later.